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Upping My Mad Skill Set

Last Sunday was my first full no-holds-barred ski day in ages. Last year was mostly a sideline year for me—if I got out, it was for a run or two. I rationalized that I hadn’t the time for more runs, but if the truth be told, I was still recovering from a crazy illness and its attendant surgery, and I really did not have the energy for more. I let myself believe that time was the constraint because that was convenient.

I know that the only real way to get in ski shape is, well, to ski. But I’m taking a page from the book of my many pals who are competitive skiers – dry land training. Even if you don’t have easy access to a ski hill, finding yourself a good dry land routine can increase your overall endurance and strength. I reason that by whipping myself into general good health and fitness should make my ski muscles easier to hone.

And whether I get out for half a day or three runs, I’m committing to making them count. No slacking. If I’m on terrain that doesn’t challenge my ability, then I’ll be drilling myself with carving practice.